It’s a familiar feeling—suffocating under a mountain of deadlines with no escape in sight, leaving many on the brink of burnout. And it’s not just you. Across Malaysia, a staggering number of employees are facing burnout, with severe effects on both individuals and the country at large.
As of April 2024, 67% of Malaysian employees reported experiencing burnout, placing Malaysia among the highest in the world for workplace stress. This “silent epidemic” has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic, with burnout now extending beyond individual well-being to impact the national economy as a whole.
Professor Glenn Hitchman, Head of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, explains, “In Malaysia, mental health issues often carry significant stigma, with many perceiving it as a weakness.” This expectation to remain stoic in the workplace pushes many employees to hide their issue, intensifying their struggles.
Yet, hiding burnout doesn’t help; in fact, it often exacerbates the problem. Left unaddressed, burnout can foster toxic work environments where unchecked stress builds, leading to anxiety, depression, and other serious health issues. According to Hitchman, “Ignoring mental health often leads to absenteeism, turnover, and a direct hit to productivity.”
The financial consequences are equally concerning. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that poor mental health costs the global economy a staggering US$1 trillion annually. Malaysia alone loses RM14.46 billion—around 1% of its GDP—to burnout and related mental health issues.
A Crisis in Work-Life Balance and Burnout
Adding to burnout, Malaysia ranks near the bottom globally for work-life balance, coming in second to last among the world’s 60 largest economies. On average, Malaysian employees work over 45 hours per week, dealing with increasing pressure from management and limited career advancement.
This relentless pace has also driven depression rates higher. The 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) found that about one million Malaysians—4.6% of those aged 15 and above—struggle with depression. Depression rates have doubled since 2019, with nearly half of those affected reporting thoughts of self-harm or suicide, a grim side effect of chronic burnout.
“Behind every percentage is a person, an employee juggling job demands while fighting to preserve their mental and physical well-being,” Hitchman reflects. Recognizing when typical work stress escalates into something more is essential.
Building a Supportive Work Environment
Fortunately, there are actionable steps both employers and employees can take to counter burnout. According to Hitchman, fostering open dialogue is key. “When employees feel safe to discuss their burnout struggles, it can foster a sense of community and support,” he explains.
Employees themselves can also help prevent burnout by building supportive relationships with colleagues, practicing effective time management, and developing relaxation techniques to manage stress levels. Malaysia cannot afford to lose its human capital to this. The conversation has started; now, it’s time to take action.
Source: here
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